Gleaning thoughts from the faithful, Godly and bright for insights into Bible meaning and application. Stray personal notions may sprout from time to time.

Daily just happens to be my name; a quick look will reveal there's no connection to the frequency of my posting.

Tuesday, January 03, 2012

Best Blog-post Title Ever

How do you top “The Next Billy Graham Might Be Drunk Right Now”?

Russell Moore, who is always worth reading, has crafted more than just a great title here. His post makes the great point that the ultimate success of the church is not dependent on what we can see, but rather on what God will do.

Here is some of Moore’s reasoning:

“The next Jonathan Edwards might be the man driving in front of you with the Darwin Fish bumper decal. The next Charles Wesley might be a misogynist, profanity-spewing hip-hop artist right now. The next Billy Graham might be passed out drunk in a fraternity house right now. The next Charles Spurgeon might be making posters for a Gay Pride March right now. The next Mother Teresa might be managing an abortion clinic right now.

But the Spirit of God can turn all that around. And seems to delight to do so. The new birth doesn’t just transform lives, creating repentance and faith; it also provides new leadership to the church, and fulfills Jesus’ promise to gift his church with everything needed for her onward march through space and time (Eph. 4:8-16).

After all, while Phillip was leading the Ethiopian eunuch to Christ, Saul of Tarsus was still a murderer.”

Not only is this a great reminder of how God is able to superintend his church, it’s gives hope to those of us who worry about our ability to adequately carry out our Christian responsibilities. After all, if he could use murderous Saul of Tarsus, surely he can use Michael of Ashland, who’s already on his side. Reminds me of one of my favorite scripture passages: For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. (Romans 5:10; ESV)

1 comment:

This challenges me anew to ponder heart-felt relationships and interactions with all of the above - for while we may not have common interests (though we very well might if I'd care to find out) we all share a common condition - we need Jesus. How many times have I written off a potential conversation by looking at outward/philosophical appearances?